Salt Lake evening Democrat. [volume] (Salt Lake City, Utah) 1885-1887, 1887-03-04
THE TWO OPERAS.
AbbOtt,s Success I'm S'Lucretia BOr.
gia,, and ssThe MikadO.''

1t was not without some nervousness
that a large and fashionable audience
seated itself at the Theatre yesterday
afternoon, for after the disappointment of
the evening before it was hard to believe
that we were at last to be confronted
by the great Abbott to listen to the
grand music of Donizetti's "Lucretia
Borgia." But it was not long after the
curtain had gone up that Abbott herself
appeared upon the stage amid storm OF
applause, and the audience then settled
down to thorough appreciation of the
piece.
The story of "Lucrezia Borgia" is an
excellent theme for grand opera, and
clothed in Donizetti's music it becomes
sublime. All the horrors of the tale
are brought out with wonderful effect
and the interest is increased, if anything,
by the musical Interpretation. Abbott,
was, as a matter of course, the feature
of the performance, but her success can
be credited almost as much to her
perfect acting as to the power
of her wonderful voice. In fact,
it is question whether Abbott
voice is entirely equal to the severe test
of this opera. Her rendition of the role,
however, gave general satisfaction, and
reaped a rich harvest of appreciation.
Miss Annandale had a more pleasing
part than that of the star, and with her
rich contralto voice and fine pres
ence, she won many hearts. The lady's
voice is so strong and pure that it fills
the entire building with tones which
carry a wonderful charm. Her drinking
song, the air of which is familiar to every
ear, brought down the house and an
encore was demanded. Michelena,
the leading tenor, has fine
presence and a very sweet voice,
which, coupled with good acting, make
him a general favorite. Bruette, the
baritone, has an excellent voice, which
he uses to the best of advantage. Allen
had but little opportunity but what sing
ing he did was of high order.
The opera as a whole was we'll re-
ceived, though it would have been more
highly appreciated had it been given at
night.
"THE MIKADo."
The Abbott company does not pretend
TO make a speciality of "The Mikado,"
but had they presented it a couple
of years ago, as they do now,
they could have we'll afforded to give it
an honorary place in their repertoire. OF
course. it is out of their line, but as the
music is so far above the average
of that heard in light opera,
it is not entirely inconsistent
for them to present it. The merits of
the piece need not be mentioned, as it
has already been done here nearly
score of times, but it is still of interest to
compare this performance with those
that have been given here before.
The main differences are found in the
characters of Katisha, the Mikado and
Poo-Bah. Annandale's Katisha was
genuine treat and left even Seguin's far
behind. Purette's Mikado scared far
above anything we have seen, and, in fact
this somewhat unpopular character was
made one of the most pleasing features
of the performance. The Poo-Bah of
Frederick was entirely different from any
we have seen, and took well. Allen
fairly shone as Ko-Ko, and though
there is still a question as to
whether Drew, Ryley or he
can claim the most honors, it is certain
that he made great hit. Yum Yum
gave Abbott but little opportunity and
her make up was not altogether pleasing.
The chorus did good work in both
operas, and considering numbers, its
strength is wonderful.
al Trovatore" goes tonight.